This week marks the first anniversary of when our country first went into lockdown because of the Coronavirus pandemic. I am sure none of us expected, twelve months later, to still be living with the consequences of the pandemic and still have our lives so restricted.
It has been an incredibly challenging year for all of us in
so many ways and this anniversary gives us a point in time to look back over
the year. I am sure we will all look back with a wide range of feelings about
all we have lived through.
I know many people want to take a moment to remember those
who have been lost to this virus and pay our respects. Before I left for London
on Monday morning, I took a moment to visit the local church where people have
been tying ribbons to the railings and trees and laying flowers. In Parliament
we held a minute’s silence to commemorate the anniversary of the lockdown and
remember those who have died. It is important we remember that in the midst of
all we have gone through so many families have sadly lost loved ones to this
terrible virus.
But I am also sure many of us will also want to say thank
you to all those who have worked to support and serve our communities through
this year. Of course, top of that list will be our frontline NHS workers who
have cared for and treated the sick, and our carer workers who have looked
after the elderly and most vulnerable. There are so many others who have gone
above and beyond, including our police, school teachers and staff, pre-school
and nursey staff, delivery drivers, supermarket workers and local shop keepers as
well as an army of volunteers.
As we mark the anniversary of the lockdown we can do so with
a hope that the end is in sight. With the successful roll out of the vaccines
we know the end to these measures will come soon.
Despite some of the current debate around the future supply
of the vaccine, we have already vaccinated over half of all adults in the UK.
Just last Saturday we vaccinated 844,000 people. This is an incredible effort
by all involved. We should be very proud and thankful of the huge national team
effort that has made this possible. Despite the recent question the government
remains confident we will have enough supply of vaccine to meet our targets.
Next Monday we take the next step on the roadmap to lifting
the restrictions. From Monday we will be allowed to get together with one other
household or in groups of up to 6 from different households outdoors, including
in gardens. I know I am looking forward to this to be able to see family and friends
again. Let us hope the weather is kind to us to allow us to really enjoy
meeting up with people.
But it is important we continue to remember that the
restrictions that remain in place are there to keep us safe. We only have to
look across the Channel to note what is going on in the rest of Europe to know
this virus has not yet been defeated. The vaccine is the way to win this battle
and we in the UK are ahead in the fight. It isn’t won yet, but victory is now
in sight.
